MARLBOROUGH, MA – The Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators (MAVA) has named Trevor Hodgson, a graphic design student at Shawsheen Valley Technical School in Billerica, as the winner of this year’s Connecting for Success (CFS) conference graphic design contest.
Hodgson’s entry was selected as the top choice from 48 submissions following a rigorous three-round, double-blind selection process. The final decision was made by the conference steering committee, composed of leading education administrators from across Massachusetts. Connecting for Success is the premier professional development conference for vocational, technical, and agricultural educators in the state.
A 17-year-old student from Tewksbury, Hodgson lives with his parents and two dogs, Rey and Leia. He has earned a place on the honor roll and is actively involved in his school community, including participation in an after-school Magic: The Gathering club.
Hodgson’s winning graphic logo was inspired by the 2026 CFS conference theme, Skill Shift: Preparing Today’s Students for Tomorrow’s Trades. The design illustrates the passage of time and the journey from adolescence to adulthood. Set within a clock symbolizing time, the graphic features student figures progressing forward toward their futures. As the figures transition into adults in work uniforms, they extend beyond the clock’s boundary, representing growth, achievement, and the realization of their full potential.
Using Adobe Illustrator, Hodgson developed and refined the piece over the course of about a week. He credits experimentation and persistence for helping him overcome challenges, particularly when working within specific text constraints. One of the elements he is most proud of is the seamless transition between student and adult figures, visually capturing the transformation at the heart of Career and Technical Education.
“Trevor’s design captures the spirit of career and technical education and the transformation we see in CTE students,” said Allison Cammarata, MAVA’s Connecting for Success Marketing & Communications Coordinator. “The logo reflects the conference theme while underscoring that students graduate work-ready, capable, and prepared to transition seamlessly into the workforce.”
“The most challenging part of the process was fitting the text within specific parameters,” said Hodgson. “But through experimentation, I landed on a concept I was happy with.”
MAVA Executive Director Steven Sharek, along with Allison Cammarata, presented Trevor Hodgson with his prize on behalf of the full Connecting for Success team and personally thanked him for his efforts and winning design. The presentation was attended by Shawsheen Valley Technical School leadership, including Principal Jessica Cook, Academic Director Danica Johnston, Vocational Director Mike Hurley, and Design and Visual Instructors Alison Ouellette and Doug Michaud.
Upon learning of his selection, Hodgson expressed excitement and pride. “Winning this contest proves to me that I am capable of good graphic design, and I’m extremely happy to have participated!” he said.
While Hodgson does not plan to pursue graphic design as a career, he hopes to follow his passion for art by becoming an art teacher or educator. He shared advice for fellow young designers: “Go with your gut. If you have a design that you feel is strong, go with it—but don’t be afraid of shifting the idea or changing it.”
Hodgson also expressed gratitude to his teachers, Mr. Michaud and Mrs. Ouellette, for their guidance and constructive feedback throughout the design process.
Reflecting on his vocational experience, Hodgson emphasized the value of hands-on learning. “I enjoy building my skills in the things I love, as well as being able to show those skills in a constructive and impactful way,” he said.
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